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Blog/Country/New Zealand Accepts Indian Degrees without IQA- 2025 Student Visa

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New Zealand Accepts Indian Degrees without IQA- 2025 Student Visa

Last updated on July 11, 2025·4 min read·By Edvia Editorial Team

1) What has changed for Indian Applicants?

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2) Why is it a big win for Indian students?

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3) New Zealand Student-Friendly Initiatives

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Before Vs After: Overview

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Conclusion

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Summarise with AI

New Zealand is quickly emerging as one of the most attractive study-abroad destinations for international students, especially from India. Thanks to its world-class universities, generous post-study work opportunities, and exceptional quality of life, it is on par with the traditional study-abroad destinations. The highlight of this destination is cultural inclusivity, thus providing a safety net for students from diverse cultures.

On June 23, 2025, New Zealand opened wider doors for Indian students by adding India to its prestigious List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA).

This major update means that Indian degree holders are now exempt from the previously mandatory International Qualification Assessment (IQA), thereby fast-tracking the visa process.

Source

In this blog, we shall explore this student-friendly initiative of New Zealand and its various benefits:

1) What has changed for Indian Applicants?

Official Recognition of Indian Degrees
Indian degrees are now officially recognised by New Zealand without the need for extra evaluation, placing India alongside countries like the USA, the UK, and Germany.

No more IQA Requirement
The International Qualification Assessment (IQA), once mandatory for Indian degree holders, is now waived, eliminating delays and saving applicants both time and money.

Faster Visa Processing and Reduced Paperwork
With the IQA removed, visa applications are now simpler and quicker, requiring fewer documents and faster turnaround times.

Zero IQA Fees
Applicants can now avoid paying IQA-related costs, which previously ranged from NZD 445 to NZD 746, thus providing significant financial relief.

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2) Why is it a big win for Indian students?

Simplified pathways to Work Visas and PR
The removal of the IQA hurdle means faster and easier access to post-study work visas and skilled migration pathways, making long-term career planning in New Zealand more accessible.

Equal Recognition with Top Global Nations
Indian degrees are now on par with those from global nations like the USA, the UK, and Germany, unlocking broader opportunities for education, employment and migration in New Zealand.

3) New Zealand Student-Friendly Initiatives

New Zealand Excellence Awards 2025
The New Zealand Excellence Awards 2025 offers a funding pool of NZ$260,000, with individual awards of up to NZ$20,000 for bachelor’s and master’s programs to make education more affordable.
Post-Study Work Rights
International graduates can stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on the level of their qualification.
a) Master’s or Doctoral Degree (30+ weeks of study): 3-year work visa.
b) Qualification at level 8 or below: Work visa equals study duration (confirmed by the provider).
Streamlined Visa Process & Reduced Fees
With a simplified application process, minimal documentation, and the removal of IQA fees, New Zealand is making it easier, faster and more affordable for Indian students to plan their academic journey.

Before Vs After: Overview

Category	Before June 23, 2025	After June 23, 2025
Eligibility	Indian degrees required an assessment	Indian degrees are automatically recognised
Qualification Assessment	Mandatory IQA by NZQA	No IQA Required
Visa Processing Times	Slower	Faster turnaround times
Assessment Fees	NZD 445- NZD 746	Zero Cost
Documentation	Detailed transcripts, grading systems, and course breakdowns are required	Fewer documentation
Global Recognition	Indian degrees were not on NZ’s LQEA list	India was added to the LQEA list alongside the USA, the UK, etc.
Nations	Only Anglosphere Nations were included	First South Asian Country added to LQEA list

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Conclusion

By including India in the LQEA list, New Zealand is not only recognising the strength of Indian academic standards but also reinforcing its commitment to attracting global talent.

Combined with generous post-study work rights, competitive scholarships, and streamlined visa processing, New Zealand is positioning itself as a top global destination for Indian talent, especially in high-demand fields like STEM and business.

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